Metalheads over a certain age will remember guitarist Thomas “McRocklin” McLaughlin as the child prodigy who made numerous TV appearances back in the 1980s when he was a young pup barely in double figures. I’m pleased to report that time has aged his skills like a fine malt whiskey, and tonight he appears as half of duo McRocklin & Hutch. They’re an interesting tension of opposites that fuse a love of 80s rock to 21st century technology, and in welding organic guitars to surgical synths they’ve created a new genre termed ‘shredwave’. With an inherent groove ‘Wasted’ adheres this pair to the crowd, and the following ‘Locked In’ only increases the affection. Sometimes I find guitar virtuosity can be sterile when it’s practitioners become lost in intricate webs, but no fear with McRocklin & Hutch, who combine to create a sound that’s both ethereal and emotive. ‘Don’t Need Nobody’ ensures they bow out on a high.

Dressed all in white and arriving like avenging angels Japan’s Lovebites are all smiles and opening salvo ‘The Hammer of Wrath’ finds them getting off to a blistering start. Without pausing for breath ‘Pledge of the Saviour’ is unleashed along with ‘Rising’ which is the perfect vehicle for Asami’s operatic vocals. Those only familiar with Japan’s vapid idol scene might be surprised at Lovebites musical proficiency, but these five women can really play and in truth they rock harder than most guys. ‘Above the Black Sea’ features some fine interplay between guitarists Midori and Mi-ya and, with a bass player much in the Steve Harris mould, the band proceed to deliver a foot-on-the-monitor, fist-in-the-air metal fest. New track debuted ‘Signs of Deliverance’ bodes well for the forthcoming album Electric Pentagram, and the following ‘Under the Red Sky’ flies like a stealth bomber. With songs like set closer ‘We Are United’ in their arsenal I’m sure we’ve witnessed future headliners.

An unbearably long intro, coupled with the black sheets hiding the set, builds a palpable tension that stretches many present to breaking point. It’s broken when DragonForce hit the stage amid a shower of ticker tape and jets of pyro that shoot ice white plumes of smoke to the rafters. Opening with ‘Highway to Oblivion’ it’s immediately obvious this isn’t going to be an ordinary rock concert as vocalist Marc Hudson fires a faux flame thrower at the audience. Two oversized retro arcade games flank the stage and there’s a real ‘80s feel to the set as the band are encased in a cornucopia of neon pink and bright blue strobe lights. It’s nice that DragonForce make an effort with their stagecraft but their songs would hold up without all the smoke and mirrors as ‘Fury of the Storm’ attests. ‘The Last Dragonborn’ follows, with it’s East Asian flourishes, along with the insanely catchy ‘Heart Demolition’. What comes next is an instrumental section, as Marc swaps mic for guitar to play some gaming themes – and the six stringers from Lovebites return along with a banjo toting hillbilly for a fun-filled, if rather surreal, interlude.

It’s back to the rock action with a ferocious rendition of ‘Black Fire’ as the band show no signs of flagging. ‘Razorblade Meltdown’ is accompanied by more phosphorous flares and then more ticker tape showers the crowd during ‘Cry Thunder’. DragonForce titled their latest opus Extreme Power Metal for good reason: like Iron Maiden or Helloween, only played at 78rpm, their songs are amped up slabs of metal yet they retain a strong sense of melody. However the band are far from one trick ponies as the obligatory power ballad, ‘Remembrance Day’, proves. It’s been a night for fans of guitars which each band displaying technical skill and, not to be outdone, Herman Li and Sam Totman trade solos and shred ferociously on fan favourite ‘Valley of the Damned’. The band return for two well deserved encores, including an amphetamine run through of Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ which initiates a huge circle pit. ‘Through the Fire & the Flames’ is attended by more ticker tape and pyrotechnic flares and when the party streamers fly it seems a fitting way to bring down the curtain.

U.K. SUBS + SPRING PARKFriday November 15thThe Roadmender, Northampton
The legendary Charlie Harper formed the Subs out of his then R&B outfit The Marauders, late in 1976. In 1979, they signed to Gem Records and surprised everyone by becoming one of the most consistently and visibly successful punk bands, with seven consecutive UK Top 30 hits between 1979-81 – ‘Stranglehold’, ‘Tomorrows Girls’, ‘She’s Not There’, ‘Warhead’, ‘Teenage’, ‘Party In Paris’, and ‘Keep On Running’. They also scored two UK top ten albums – Brand New Age and Crash Course. Plus ShoeTown punks in support. Doors 7.30pm, £11 tickets

DAWSON SMITH & THE DISSENTERSSaturday 16th NovemberThe Shire Horse, Kettering
Leicester blues band. In 2005 Smith put together a backing band with the intention of forming his dream ‘road band’ able to deliver the type of drivin’ roots rock that has always been the backdrop to his songwriting. From 9pm, free entry

DANNI NICHOLLSSunday November 17thThe Three Horseshoes, Ecton
Fresh from touring Nashville this summer, the Bedford-born Americana singer-songwriter comes to Ecton in support of third album The Melted Morning. From 3pm, free entry

THAT JOE PAYNE Thursday November 7th St. Matthew’s Church, Northampton The Northampton-based recording artist is best known for demonstrating an impressive 5-octave range, plus his work within progressive rock as…

THAT JOE PAYNEThursday November 7thSt. Matthew’s Church, Northampton
The Northampton-based recording artist is best known for demonstrating an impressive 5-octave range, plus his work within progressive rock as frontman of The Enid [2011-2016]. This concert also features a special performance from Northampton Male Voice Choir Lite (NMVCL), and is a fundraising booster event ahead of Strictly Northampton 2019 in which Joe is a contestant. Doors 7pm, tickets £15 [all ticket money goes to Cynthia Spencer Hospice]

DAVIDE LUAGELLI + RICHOCHET REBELLEION + THE BOPHINSThursday November 7thThe King Billy, Northampton
Laugelli is a seasoned Italian rock and metal bass player, in the vein of a Steve DiGiorgio or Martin Mendez. A steady member of Disease Illusion, Heller Schein and Hidden Stone, he brings his unique solo project to the UK for a second time. This live set up involves just two members, bass and drums, and brings a unique instrumental exploration, as he showcases tracks from the new album Soundtrack of a Nightmare. Support from Derbyshire trio and ShoeTown glam-punks. Doors 7pm, free entry

MARABAR CAVES + THE VINCENT VEGA BAND + ROLLING THUNDERFriday November 8thThe Pomfret Arms, Northampton
The Caves are a psychedelic rock outfit who recently reformed after a 25 year hiatus. VVB feature one of Northampton’s best songwriters in Tony Mead, who fronts a line up of deft musicians [embellished by viola]. Causing a youthful storm at the start are West Northamptonians Rolling Thunder. From 9pm, free entry

LABFESTSaturday November 9thThe Lab, Northampton
An all-dayer to show what the venue can do, following its recent “crunch meeting”. Music, food and a communal art project. Line-up includes Humblebee, Marnie , Yoshe, The Dubska Murphys, The Ginhouse Gypsies, Ali In The Jungle, Bisons, the Lay It Down crew, and more! From 1pm – 1am. £3 suggested donation

KING’S GAMBITSaturday November 9thThe Lamplighter, Northampton
The local folk rock leg-ends play their favourite venue. From 9pm, free entry

GOODBYE MR MACKENZIE + TURNING BLACK LIKE LIZARDSSaturday November 9thThe Raven Hotel, Corby
One of Scotland’s greatest bands of the 80’s and 90’s. They released six albums in total and toured extensively, and featured Shirley Manson on lead vocals at one point. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album that started it all off, the Mackenzies are back to play Good Deeds in its entirety, plus a few extra treats. Black Country garage fiends in support. Doors 7.30pm, £16 tickets

HAZEYJANESaturday November 9thThe Shire Horse, Kettering
The folk-rock group make their return to Kettering’s prime live music venue. The band will be playing in quintet formation, with their Brittany-based percussionist David ‘Hopi’ Hopkins making a rare appearance with the band. From 3pm-6pm, free entry

DEAF HAVANATuesday November 12thThe Roadmender, Northampton
Norfolk/London hard rock/post-hardcore types with the emotive poppy sound have partnered with PLUS1.org so that “£1 from every ticket goes to War Child to protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children caught up in war”. Doors 7pm, £19.50 tickets

As we power towards the end of the year, the gigs keep coming thick and fast. Here’s our weekly round up of what’s going on outside of Northamptonshire in our…

As we power towards the end of the year, the gigs keep coming thick and fast. Here’s our weekly round up of what’s going on outside of Northamptonshire in our surrounding counties which there’s still tickets available for.

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATHThursday, October 31The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
A Pale Horse Named Death siphon strangely blissful melodies from apocalyptic heavy metal awash in swells of cavernous gothic keys and grunge songcraft. The New York quintet released their long awaited third full-length album When The World Becomes Undone in January. Doors 7pm, tickets £12.

SISTERAYFriday, November 1The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Sisteray met when they collided in the mosh pit at a Libertines gig and soon discovered their shared love for The Smiths, Velvet Underground, The Clash and The Replacements. They have played up and down the country, performing pop-up guerrilla gigs, organising their own club night and have played roof raising sets at Camden Rocks and the Isle of Wight and Reading and Leeds festivals. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £7.

ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW & THE LOW RIDERSSaturday, November 2The Stables, Milton Keynes
Andy Fairweather Low shot to fame as lead singer in Amen Corner singing massive hits like Gin House Blues, Bend Me Shape Me and If Paradise is Half As Nice. A hugely successful solo career followed with Wide Eyed And Legless being the biggest International hit from his three solo albums. Together with his band Andy will be playing songs from across his career. Doors 8pm, tickets £25.

MICHAEL MONROESaturday, November 2The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Former Hanoi Rocks Frontman Michael Monroe is in the UK in support of his band’s new LP One Man Gang. The band’s all-star line-up features former Hanoi Rocks and New York Dolls bass player Sami Yaffa, guitarists Rich Jones and Steve Conte and drummer Karl Rockfist. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £22.50.

JAMES TAYLOR QUARTETSaturday, November 2MK11, Milton Keynes
James Taylor, one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation, has taken his trademark howling Hammond sound to the masses for more than 25 years. The band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk and boogaloo funk of the 1960s and 1970s. They are one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British music. Doors 8pm, tickets £20.

LAZYBONESSunday, November 3The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Lazybones are one fuzzy bass guitar, amplified organ and drums, creating a trashy, unapologetic, to-the-point sound, comparable to the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Slaves. With initial singles championed by all the usual suspects across the music press, Lazybones released their debut EP Bang! Bang! in February. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £7,

HIMALAYASSunday, November 3Esquires, Bedford
Himalayas are an indie / garage rock band from Cardiff with a cinematic sound and style featuring heavy guitar lines, dual vocals and huge anthemic hooks. In the past year they have played both Reading and Leeds, Festival no. 6, SXSW, The Great Escape, Live at Chelsea, Isle of Wight and many others. Their latest single The Masquerades was released in October and this is the band’s first headline UK tour. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £8.

VISTASTuesday, November 5Esquires, Bedford
Edinburgh’s Vistas are fresh off a tour with Circa Waves and have been surging to the forefront of the indie-rock scene over the last few years with a steady stream of catchy singles leading to extensive praise from the likes of Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, 6 Music, DIY Magazine and Clash Magazine. The Scottish trio have become known for their brand of colourful and energetic guitar-based indie pop and are quickly beginning to show their universal appeal. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £7.50.

THE DELINESTuesday, November 5The Stables, Milton Keynes
The Delines second album The Imperial was released in January and took three years to finish while vocalist Amy Boon recovered from a serious car accident. She is joined by keyboard/horn player Cory Gray, pedal steel player Tucker Jackson and a bunch of Richmond Fontaine band members, namely Sean Oldham, Freddie Trujillo and novelist Willy Vlautin. Doors 8pm, tickets £19.50.

LUCY SPRAGGANWednesday, November 6Esquires, Bedford
It’s proving to be another hugely successful year for Lucy Spraggan. The singer songwriter released her fifth studio album Today Was A Good Day in May played Glastonbury and SXSW, toured Europe and Scandinavia with Melissa Etheridge and completed her own US and UK headline tours. Now she’s out on the road as part of a mammoth 32-date UK tour. Doors 7pm, tickets £18.

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWNWednesday, November 6The Stables, Milton Keynes
Award-winning Austin, Texas-based Hot Club of Cowtown may be the world’s most globe-trotting, effervescent string trio, whose joyful sound blends the traditional Western swing of the American southwest with European hot jazz influences of the same era. Doors 8pm, tickets £17.50.

TRACK NOT FOUND + TRAGIC Thursday October 31st The Lab, Northampton Two-piece grunge/riot grrl punk outfit all the way from Guernsey to enliven Halloween in ShoeTown. Support from fast-rising teenage…

TRACK NOT FOUND + TRAGICThursday October 31stThe Lab, Northampton
Two-piece grunge/riot grrl punk outfit all the way from Guernsey to enliven Halloween in ShoeTown. Support from fast-rising teenage punks with songs to excite. Doors 7pm, free entry

NEEDLE IN THE HAYFriday November 1st
The Lab, NorthamptonLeicester art-rock duo who have been busy crafting their new album Worldviews. Doors 8pm, £3 entry

BREWER + BLOOD-VISIONS + TRAGICFriday November 1stThe Garibaldi Hotel, Northampton
East London punks headline this basement show, with NTown’s finest shouters also along for the ride. Doors 8pm, free entry

CONFESSIONS OF A TRAITOR + CALIBURN + STEREO SKULL + PRIMAL HOLOCAUSTFriday November 1stRaff’s Bar, Wellingborough
A night of NN hardcore and death-metal in support of London headliners, who play tracks from their excellent third album Guided. Doors 7pm, £6 tickets

THE MEMBRANES + DIABLOFURS + FAMILY OF NOISESaturday November 2ndThe Talisman, Corby
The John Robb-fronted post-punks return has been quite stunning, their 26 year break followed by their best-received album, Dark Matter/Dark Energy. Plus suitable punk and post-punk supports. Doors 7.30pm, £11.50 tickets

KENNETH J NASH + HUMBLEBEESunday November 3rdThe Hare & Hounds, Great Addington
The Hare and Hounds has new landlords, and the Wildfire Sessions Acoustic Open Mic continues. Host STEVIE JONES welcomes acoustic acts to come and open up proceedings. Doors 4pm, free entry

Y&T + ELECTRIC MARYTuesday November 5th The Roadmender, Northampton
California hard rock band formed in 1974. Many of the biggest acts of the ’80s became popular opening for the powerhouse quartet. Y&T have sold over four million albums, and their hits are still played on VH1 Classic and Classic Rock radio stations worldwide. With the passing of Kennemore, Haze, and Alves, it’s Meniketti who carries on their legacy. Support from the Australian quintet. Doors 7pm, tickets £18.50

Thinking about leaving Northamptonshire for you gig fix this week? Here’s some of the good things going on at our favorite places nearby. Our pick of the bunch, She Drew…

Thinking about leaving Northamptonshire for you gig fix this week? Here’s some of the good things going on at our favorite places nearby. Our pick of the bunch, She Drew The Gun at Esquires.

BLANKETThursday, October 24The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Blanket started as a bedroom project from Bobby Pook and Simon Morgan. Later recruiting Steven Pellatt and Matthew Sheldon to form a live show. The EP Our Brief Encounters was released in 2017 to critical acclaim and the following year they released their debut LP How To Let Go. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £7.

HAYSEED DIXIEThursday, October 24Esquires, Bedford
Legendary bluegrass kings Hayseed Dixie are returning to Esquires. Their last performance at the venue sold out weeks in advance but tickets are still available. They released the live album It Happened So Grassed! Last year. Doors 8pm, tickets £18.50.

CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH: THE FAREWELL TOURThursday, October 24The Stables, Milton Keynes
This year country music legend Charlie Landsborough is retiring from touring to concentrate on writing and recording music. However, he’s embarking on an extended tour of the UK which is heading to The Stables. Doors 8pm, tickets £28.

CATHOLIC ACTIONThursday, October 24Esquires, Bedford
A product of Glasgow’s famously fertile music scene, Catholic Action mix big tunes and massive melodie. Their debut album In Memory Of was packed with glam guitar solos and huge choruses. A new album is planned for next year, so expect a sneak peak of new material. Doors 8pm, tickets £7.

BRIDGESFriday, October 25Esquires, Bedford
Last seen at Esquires supporting Slow Readers Club, Bridges combine poetic lyricism with anthemic soundscapes. Support by China Bears who released the single Sunday at the end of May. Doors 8pm, tickets £8.

WINTER MOUNTAINFriday, October 25,The Stables, Milton Keynes
Described as a rootsy songwriter with an extraordinarily soulful voice, Cornwall-born Winter Mountain has released two critically acclaimed albums with a third on the way. Doors 8:45pm, tickets £10.

SHE DREW THE GUNSaturday, October 26 Esquires, Bedford
She Drew The Gun make impassioned, hypnotic and darkly ornate psych-pop built around the lyrically evocative songwriting of singer-guitarist Louisa Roach. Under the moniker, the Wirral native started playing solo gigs with a handful of songs in 2014 and recruiting band members along the way. Their latest album, Revolution Of The Mind was released last year. Doors 8pm, tickets £12.

WILLY PORTERSaturday, 26 October The Stables, Milton Keynes
Willy Porter blurs the line between indie folk and rock with his finger-picking guitar sound, absorbing lyrics and playful, high-energy live performance style. He has shared stages with the likes of Jeff Beck, Tori Amos and Paul Simon. Doors 8.45pm, tickets £10.

TRANSMISSIONSaturday, October 26,The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
2019 is the 40th anniversary of Joy Divisions’ album Unknown pleasures. Transmission will be playing the album in all its entirety as their first set, with a second set of the band’s iconic classics. Support is by The Venus Fly Trap. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £10.

LIFE OF AGONYTuesday, October 29The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes
Life of Agony is a hard rock/metal crossover band from Brooklyn. Best known for their debut album River Runs Red, they have shared stages with the likes of Metallica, Black Sabbath and Slipknot and sold more than one million records worldwide. Doors 7pm, tickets £22.50.

REV REV REV + 72% Thursday October 24th The Garibaldi Hotel, Northampton Named as ‘One of Europe’s finest shoegazer bands of the last decade’, the Italian quartet have just released…

REV REV REV + 72%Thursday October 24thThe Garibaldi Hotel, Northampton
Named as ‘One of Europe’s finest shoegazer bands of the last decade’, the Italian quartet have just released their new album Kykeon on Fuzz Club Records, produced by James Aparicio [Spiritualized, Cult Of Dom Keller, Dead Vibrations]. They have been played on BBC 6 Music [Steve Lamacq, Radcliffe and Maconie]. Support from the local noiseniks, playing tracks off their stellar new album. Just go along and have your mind blown, ok? Doors 8pm, free entry

JEANA + WEEPING WILLOWS + EUFLORIAFriday October 25thThe Garibaldi Hotel, Northampton
Bedford’s Jeana [pronounced Jen-Nae] and her RnB slow jams are coming to her adopted hometown. Her new single ‘Nameless’, much like the previous one, was produced by Jay Brook [Ginger Snaps], who also plays in her live band, as does ShoeTown musical movers Josh Greene and Dan Battison. Support from ethereal folk-rockers and a band described as “experimental grunge with post hardcore tones”. Doors 7.30pm, free entry

BIG COUNTRYFriday October 25thThe Roadmender, Northampton
“Return To Steeltown” 35th Anniversary Tour. Steeltown was their second album, with production from Steve Lillywhite. Regarded by many as a classic, the multi-million selling album went straight to the #1 slot in the album charts. Big Country will be performing songs from the album, as well as the classic hits and live favourites, including ‘Fields of Fire’, ‘In A Big Country’, ‘Chance’, ‘Wonderland’, ‘Look Away’ and more. Doors 7pm, £22.50 tickets

WAITING FOR WORDS + PEOPLE THEATRE + MYSELFSONSunday October 27thThe Black Prince, Northampton
Three live acts + a DJ from France, synthpop and industrial electro rock being the sounds to expect. Doors 5pm, £5 tickets

KEV MINNEY + STEPH BROWN + JACOB BRATHWAITETuesday October 29thThe Pomfret Arms, Northampton
Minney and Brown return to Northampton to perform songs from their new albums; this time they’ll be bringing along a string quartet! Make the effort, it will be special. Doors 8pm, free entry

CLEM BURKE & BOOTLEG BLONDIE Wednesday October 16th The Roadmender, Northampton A living legend in the house. Blondie drummer joins the band to play the whole of Parallel Lines and…

CLEM BURKE & BOOTLEG BLONDIEWednesday October 16thThe Roadmender, Northampton
A living legend in the house. Blondie drummer joins the band to play the whole of Parallel Lines and more. Doors 7.30pm, £18 tickets

INGLORIOUS + LOKIThursday October 17thThe Roadmender, Northampton
Hard rock London fivesome: big guitar riffs and soulful vocals a go-go, on the campaign trail promoting their latest album Road To Nowhere, with local rockers in support. Doors 7pm, £15 tickets

HUE & CRYSaturday October 19thThe Roadmender, Northampton
Stripped Bitter Suite 30th anniversary show. Brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane formed Hue and Cry in 1983 and the duo made a huge impact in the late 80’s with the albums ‘Seduced and Abandoned’ and ‘Remote’, as well as massive hit singles such as ‘Labour of Love’ – and now have sold in excess of two million records worldwide. Doors 7.30pm, £18 tickets

Tuesday October 22ndThe Roadmender, Northampton
The one-time Two-Tone troupe head on tour in 2019 to celebrate their 40-year career. Support from DJ Rhoda Dakar. Doors 7pm, £25 tickets

JONAH MATRANGA + DAMN CARGO +ROB REEVESTuesday October 22ndThe Three Cocks Inn, Kettering
The former Far and new End Original frontman kicks of the UK leg of his ‘Halfway to a Hundred’ tour in K-Town. “50 Songs For 50 Years” is the theme. Derbyshire alt-rock band and local singer-songwriter in support. Doors 7.30pm, £9 tickets

After a two-week absence (sorry – life etc…), Across The Border is back with a brief run down of some of the best gigs going on in our surrounding counties…

After a two-week absence (sorry – life etc…), Across The Border is back with a brief run down of some of the best gigs going on in our surrounding counties in the next seven days. Our personal -picks, go to either Henge or HMLTD. Or both, or more.

THYLAThe Craufurd Arms, Milton KeynesThursday, October 17
Brighton dream-pop outfit Thyla’s EP What’s On Your Mind was released to critical acclaim, drawing comparisons To Wolf Alice and Cocteau Twins. They have recently shared stages with the likes of Rolling Blackout CF and Dream Wife. Their latest track Only Ever is out now. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £7.

LADY NADEThe Stables, Milton KeynesFriday, October 18
Lady Nade is touring in support of her new album Safe Place which combines soul, jazz blues, roots and folk-pop. This Bristolian singer-songwriter has been likened to a fusion of musical greats, bearing the velvet tones of Joan Armarading and Nina Simone and adding a heady, folk-jazz splash of John Martyn for good measure. Support is by Chloe Wilson. Doors 8.45pm, tickets £10.

HMLTDEsquires, BedfordFriday, October 18
London based five-piece HMLTD recently released their new single Loaded. They meld glam punk and electro with 80’s influences. Loaded is a story of self-deprecation, self-aggrandisement and self-commodification. They have been described as one of the most exciting and visceral live acts to have broken out of the UK scene in recent years. Support is by Drug Store Romeos. Doors 8pm, tickets £10.

JAWBONEThe Craufurd Arms, Milton KeynesSaturday, October 19
Beginning as a collaboration between Paddy Milner and Marcus Bonfanti, Jawbone quickly become a band with a unique sound. Band members have previously played with the likes of Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Van Morrison and Robert Plant. They release their self-titled LP last year. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £15.

FEETEsquires, BedfordMonday, October 21
Feet released their debut LP What’s Inside Is More Than Just Ham this month and are out on their biggest UK tour to date. Recently see playing live on Soccer AM, the indie five-piece from Coventry’s new single Petty Thieving is out now. Support is by The Courts. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £7.50.

LOGAN MIZEThe Craufurd Arms, Milton KeynesTuesday, October 22
Playing polished but muscular contemporary country music with an extra portion of rock n’ roll guitar, Logan Mize is a singer, guitarist and songwriter who was born in Clearwater, Kansas. Mize came from a family with roots in country music. In 2009 he released a self-titled LP. His latest record Come Back Road was released in 2017. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £15.

SOFT MACHINEThe Stables, Milton KeynesTuesday, October 22
Soft Machine are one of the greatest UK avant-garde / jazz-rock bands and their work continues to be name-checked by today’s experimentalists. The band comprises of John Etheridge, Roy Babbington, John Marshall and Theo Travis. Doors 8pm, tickets £18.

WAYNE HUSSEYEsquires, BedfordWednesday, October 23
Perhaps best known as frontman of goth-rock originals The Mission, Wayne Hussey has also played in The Sisters Of Mercy and Dead Or Alive and toured the world with everyone from The Cure to Gary Numan and Iggy Pop and more. At this gig he’s going to be chatting about his life and playing songs that have soundtracked it, marking the release of his new autobiography Salad Daze.
Support is by Evi Vine. Doors 8pm, tickets £22.

HENGEThe Craufurd Arms, Milton KeynesWednesday, October 23
Intergalactic ravers Henge are embarking on their latest adventure, The Cosmic Dross Experiment Tour. The aim of these experimental gatherings is to explore the potential of Cosmic Dross to alter psychological and physiological states in human beings. Doors 7.30pm, tickets £13.

THE PITMEN POETSThe Stables, Milton KeynesWednesday, October 23
Following a sold-out UK tour in 2017, the four Pitmen Poets are back for their final tour. Ex-Lindisfarne singer and songwriter Billy Mitchell, Warhorse Songman Bob Fox, leading exponent of Tyneside song Benny Graham and Durham songwriter Jez Lowe individually and collectively celebrate the triumphs, tragedy, humour and hard times of North-East England’s coal mining tradition in an evening of music, song and spoken word. Doors 8pm, tickets £20.

Music of Cream The Stables, Milton Keynes October 8th 2019 It’s true of any music, be it rock or classical, that if it’s not performed live it will die and,…

Music of CreamThe Stables, Milton KeynesOctober 8th 2019

It’s true of any music, be it rock or classical, that if it’s not performed live it will die and, with the sad passing of Ginger Baker, that makes the Music of Cream even more vital.

The Music of Cream are more than just a tribute band, featuring Kofi Baker [Ginger’s son], Malcolm Bruce [Jack’s son] and Eric Clapton’s nephew Will Johns, this trio have a pedigree in their own right. And that’s immediately evidenced when they take to the stage and launch into ‘Politician’. Garnered a heroes’ welcome the band forsake costumes and other novelties preferring to rely on their musical chops to recreate the Cream experience and undoubtedly each member has inherited some musical talent. ‘Badge’ follows and what really makes this show special for the aficionado is the inside stories that pepper the set (Ringo Starr’s contribution to ‘Badge’ a prime example) and they’re told with comedic flair. It’s a set tailor-made for the fan with less obvious album cuts like ‘Sleepy Time Time’ and ‘SWLABR’ nestling next to ‘White Room’ which is extended into a free form blues jam and takes us up to the interval.

Returning after a short break with a trio of blues cuts including ‘I’m So Glad’ and ‘Crossroads’ finds each band member vying for the audiences attention [in a friendly way] so much so that they take on the cloak of a power trio and it certainly sounds like there’s more than three people on stage. Just days after the death of his father Kofi plays stoically and ‘Toad’ is the perfect vehicle for his drum solo. Against footage of Ginger beating the skins Kofi delivers a 15 minute masterclass which is rewarded with a standing ovation. Set closer ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ positions Cream as proto-metal, the missing link between the British R&B boom and Led Zeppelin, and if further proof is needed about the validity of Music of Cream, this is it. In the live environment they expose what a multi-faceted creature Cream was, from the neo-psych of ‘Pressed Rat and Warthog’ to the blues of ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ to the glorious pop rock of ‘Sweet Wine’; Music of Cream bring these nuances, often buried on the studio recordings, to the surface. Will Johns plays with some of his uncles prowess on the well deserved encore ‘Spoonful’, and ensures all present leave sated.